Bolthole Index

Clare County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clare County, Michigan

76Index Score / 100
#37 of 83 in Michigan

Clare County, Michigan requires a building permit before construction, and Clare County Community Development handles building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits and inspections.1 Zoning is not uniform across the county, so the rules for a rural parcel depend on its township or municipality.2 A new-build septic permit comes from the Central Michigan District Health Department before the building permit.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction4
Permit office
Clare County Community Development1
Zoning
Varies by township or municipality2
Septic
CMDHD permit required before the building permit3
Private well
CMDHD permit required5
RV living
Not confirmed countywide; ask the parcel's zoning authority2
Owner-builder
County-specific exemption details not confirmed6

Who to call

Building permits

Clare County Community Development

Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit inspections in Clare County

989.539.2761

225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625

Online permits →

Septic permits

Central Michigan District Health Department — Clare branch

Contact office for Clare County septic and environmental-health service

(989) 539-6731

[email protected]

815 N. Clare Ave. Suite B Harrison, MI 48625

Well permits

Central Michigan District Health Department

Private-well permits and inspections

Roads & driveways

Clare County Road Commission

County-road and right-of-way permit questions

(989) 539 2151

[email protected]

3900 E. Mannsiding Rd Harrison, MI 48625

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Clare County Road Commission permits

Transportation and right-of-way permits through the online permit system

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Clare County, Michigan?

Yes. Before constructing a building or structure in Clare County, the owner or the owner's representative must submit a written building-permit application to the appropriate enforcing agency; a change in use or occupancy also requires a permit.4 The Michigan Building Code governs construction and related work, while one- and two-family dwellings fall under the Michigan Residential Code.7

Clare County Community Development handles county building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits and inspections.1 The office's inspection instructions require the permit holder to schedule inspections and identify the trade being inspected.8 Ordinary repairs may be exempt, but that exception is limited by structural, egress, utility, electrical, mechanical, public-health and safety conditions, so confirm the scope with Community Development before starting work.4

Who issues building permits in Clare County, and how do you reach them?

Start with Clare County Community Development at 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625, or call 989.539.2761.8 The office administers county building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits and inspections.1 Its forms page is the practical starting point for applications, while the permit holder must request inspections after work reaches the required stage.8

The enforcing agency can vary under Michigan's jurisdiction system, because state, county or local government may enforce the construction code.7 For a parcel inside a city, village or township with its own enforcing agency, ask Community Development to confirm jurisdiction before filing.7 After permitted work is complete, a new or altered building cannot be occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy, and the request depends on completed permits and paid fees.9

Does Clare County have zoning?

Zoning in Clare County varies by township and municipality rather than applying as one uniform county rule.2 The county's contact list identifies some townships as zoned and others as not zoned, so a parcel's zoning authority must be identified before relying on use, setback or dimensional assumptions.2 Michigan law allows counties, townships, cities and villages to establish zoning districts, but the actual districts and regulations are local.10

Clare County's census indicates that zoning permits are required in certain townships and that zoning is administered at township level.11 We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance, countywide minimum dwelling size, uniform minimum lot size, uniform setbacks or lot-coverage rules. Ask the parcel's township or municipal zoning office for the zoning map, permitted uses, setbacks, dwelling standards and any zoning permit that must precede the building application.2

How do septic and well permits work in Clare County?

Central Michigan District Health Department permits and evaluates on-site septic systems in Clare County.12 For a new build, obtain the septic permit before the building permit, mark the vacant property for the site visit, and preserve a reserve area for future drainfield replacement.3 A sanitarian evaluates whether the site is suitable under the sanitary code and issues the permit.12

Clare County's mapped soils show no surveyed share without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so treat a site evaluation as a major feasibility step rather than assuming a standard system will work.13 Existing septic and well systems also require evaluation when a building permit is needed on the property or when use changes from residential to non-residential.14 CMDHD also requires permits for private wells and conducts well inspections.5

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Clare County?

We could not confirm one countywide rule allowing long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Clare County. Because zoning varies by township and municipality, ask the parcel's local zoning authority whether the proposed use is allowed and what time, placement or dwelling standards apply.2

A tiny home is not a shortcut around local approval: Michigan guidance for tiny houses used in resort-style occupancy calls for local zoning, building, electrical and plumbing permits and final approvals, plus applicable well and septic permits.15 Any occupied building with plumbing must connect to a public sewer where available or to an approved private sewage-disposal system.16 Sanitary sewage from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines and dishwashers must go to a municipal sewer or an on-site septic system.17

Building a home in Clare County: what are the steps?

  1. Identify the parcel's township or municipality and ask its zoning authority to confirm the use, setbacks, dwelling standards and zoning approval.2
  2. Apply to CMDHD for septic approval before the building permit, and obtain the required private-well permit if the parcel will use a well.35
  3. Confirm whether access from a county road requires a right-of-way permit; the Clare County Road Commission processes transportation and right-of-way permits through its online system.18
  4. Submit the building-permit application to the appropriate enforcing agency, starting with Clare County Community Development for county jurisdiction.48
  5. Schedule required building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections through Community Development.8
  6. After completion, request the Certificate of Occupancy and do not occupy the new or altered building until the code official issues it.9

What should you check before buying land in Clare County?

Make septic feasibility an early contingency: the soil dataset rates the surveyed land as severely limited for conventional drain fields, and CMDHD decides suitability through a site evaluation.1312 Confirm the private-well permit path with CMDHD and determine whether public sewer is available, because buildings with plumbing must use an available public sewer or an approved private system.516

Check the parcel's local zoning authority for allowed use and dimensional rules, since zoning varies across Clare County.2 Ask the Clare County Road Commission about access from a county road and its online right-of-way permit process.18 For land in a qualifying river, stream or drain floodplain, Michigan requires a state floodplain permit when the drainage area is at least 2 square miles, and other local approvals may still apply.19 Finally, budget around the county's median property-tax bill of about $1,387 per year, while recognizing that an individual parcel's assessment will differ.20

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume a Clare County parcel has the same zoning rules as the next township; confirm the governing local authority and ordinance before purchase.2
  • A new-build septic permit must come before the building permit, and construction before septic-permit issuance violates the sanitary code.3
  • We could not confirm countywide rules for RV residence, temporary camping, minimum dwelling size or an owner-builder exemption; ask the parcel's zoning authority and Clare County Community Development before relying on any exemption.26
  • Floodplain work may need a Michigan permit as well as county or local approval.19

Sources

  1. Clare County Community Development - Applications & Forms (2026 county census)
  2. Clare County Township Contact Information, quoted and re-checked
  3. Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  5. Central Michigan District Health Department (cmdhd.org)
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  8. Clare County Community Development (clareco-buildingdev.net)
  9. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Clare County Community Development - Applications & Forms (2026 county census)
  12. Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  13. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  14. Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  15. 2022 ARVC - General (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Michigan Part 7 Plumbing Code Rules (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Disposal of residential wastewater such as swimming pool water (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Clare County Road Commission permits (clarecrc.com)
  19. FAQ: Floods and Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  20. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Clare County in Michigan

76
County map
Clare County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score

How Clare County scores

Seclusion57100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4290% ev.
Durability82100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$169kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,419Land / acre
33.2"Annual rain
0% of yrsSevere drought
1.2 / yr (+1.2)Mid-century 100°F days
11.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.55" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$962Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.91%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,053People within 30 min
2,780,801People within 2 hr
35,601Radius comparison (15 mi)
55.5People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
99%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
69.4%Wooded land
40.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Clare County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clare County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning across Clare County townships and municipalities.

    • The county contact list identifies some townships as zoned and others as not zoned; local zoning is administered by the applicable township or municipality rather than uniformly by the county.
    “Zoned TREASURER: ASSESSOR: CLERK: SUPERVISOR: [...] ARTHUR [...] Yes [...] FRANKLIN [...] No”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    On-site sewage permitting and evaluation in Clare County through the Central Michigan District Health Department.

    • The district serves Clare and other counties.
    • Applicable local codes, including subdivision requirements, must also be followed.
    “Proudly serving Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon Counties [...] A sanitarian will evaluate the proposed site to determine if the site is suitable for an on-site septic system based on the requirements of the sanitary code. [...] The Sanitarian will issue your permit.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New-build on-site septic systems in Clare County.

    • A septic permit is required before the building permit.
    • Vacant property must be marked or flagged before the site visit.
    • Construction before permit issuance violates the sanitary code.
    • A reserve area for future drainfield replacement is required.
    • No variations or deviations are allowed.
    • Applicable local codes, including subdivisions, must also be followed.
    “A septic permit is required from the health department prior to obtaining a building permit. Prior to the site visit, a vacant property must be marked/flagged so the Sanitarian can identify the location. Any construction prior to permit issuance is a violation of the sanitary code. A Reserve area for future replacement of the drainfield is required. No variations or deviations are allowed.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site septic system site evaluations and final inspections in Clare County.

    • A Sanitarian evaluates site suitability.
    • In rare circumstances, a contractor affidavit may approve construction without a final Sanitarian inspection.
    • An existing septic and well evaluation is required when a building permit is needed on property with an existing system or when residential use changes to non-residential use.
    “In rare circumstances, an affidavit may be filled out by the contractor to approve construction of the septic system without a final inspection by a Sanitarian. [...] An evaluation of the septic system and well is required when building permits are needed on a property with an existing septic system or well, or the use of the property is changing from residential to non-residential use.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning applies in Clare County, with zoning permits required in certain townships (the county provides a Zoning Authorization Application and a 'Township Where Zoning Permits are Required' reference); zoning is administered at the township level.

    Clare County Community Development - Applications & Forms ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Michigan rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of buildings or structures and changes in use or occupancy in Clare County.

    • The application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • Ordinary repairs are exempt, subject to the listed structural, egress, utility, electrical, mechanical, public-health, and general-safety limitations.
    “Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures statewide in Michigan, including residential requirements administered under the Michigan Residential Code.

    • The current Michigan Building Code is the 2021 edition and is effective April 9, 2025.
    • The rule adopts the International Building Code by reference with Michigan amendments and exceptions.
    • The adopted rule excludes sections 104.2, 104.3, 104.8, 104.8.1, 104.10, 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.3.2, 105.6, 109.2 to 109.6, 111.2, 111.3, 113.2, 113.3, 113.4, 114.1, 114.2, 114.3, 114.4, 115.1 to 115.4, 423.5, 423.5.1, 423.5.2, 903.2.8.4, 2902 to 2902.6, Table 2902.1, section 3005.5, the definition of agricultural building in section 202, and the definition of recreational vehicle in Appendix G.
    • The rule also incorporates IECC 2021, IEBC 2021, IMC 2021, IPC 2021, IPSDC 2021, and NFPA 70 2023 as listed in chapter 35.
    • Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • The code may be purchased from the International Code Council through the bureau website at a cost of $144.00 as of the time of adoption of the amendatory rules.

    building code edition: 2021 Michigan Building Code (Michigan amendments and listed exceptions apply) · effective date: 2025-04-09

    “The provisions of the international building code, 2021 edition, including appendices F, G, and H, except for [...] govern the construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures, and, with exceptions noted, the international building code is adopted by reference in these rules.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code, including construction in Clare County through the appropriate enforcing agency.
      “The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and their service equipment. Presently, provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the Michigan Residential Code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A new building or altered building subject to the Michigan construction code.

    • The building or altered building may not be used or occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The permit holder or authorized agent must submit a written request after project completion.
    • The request must include applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, and school fire-services project numbers.
    • The certificate cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits are finaled, and permitted work is completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
    • If an electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, or Fire Services project is not required, the request must state “not applicable.”
    “A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Michigan's statutory zoning framework for counties, townships, cities, and villages; this does not identify the actual zoning districts adopted by each local government.

    • Actual zoning districts and district regulations are local and must be checked in the applicable county, township, city, or village ordinance.
    • The cited act's stated effective date is July 1, 2006.
    “to provide for the establishment in counties, townships, cities, and villages of zoning districts;”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitary sewage disposal in Michigan without connection to a municipal sanitary sewer.

    • Sanitary sewage from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers must be directed to a municipal sanitary sewer or an onsite septic system.
    • An onsite septic system is subject to the EGLE-coordinated permitting and local-health-department permitting and inspection framework.
    • The source does not establish a statewide authorization for untreated discharge or arbitrary off-grid sanitation methods.
    “All sanitary sewage [...] must be directed to municipal sanitary sewer or to an onsite septic system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings and premises in Michigan that have plumbing fixtures or drainage piping.

    • Connection must be to a public sewer where available, or otherwise to an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • Plumbing work cannot begin until the appropriate enforcing agency issues a permit.
    • Local requirements may apply to water service and building sewer installation.
    “Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed [...] shall be connected to a public sewer, where available, or an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and the orderly development of subdivisions in Michigan.

    • The Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288.
    • Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps for compliance with the Act.
    • Final plats are authorized for submission to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.
    “Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction, fill, or alteration in qualifying river, stream, or drain floodplains in Clare County.

    • A state Part 31 permit is required when the drainage area is at least 2 square miles.
    • House construction in a lake floodplain may not require a Part 31 permit if not on the inlet or outlet, but local building codes still require elevation above the 100-year flood elevation.
    • Other state, county, or local permits may still be required.

    minimum drainage area: >= 2 square miles (Part 31 does not apply below this threshold)

    “Any construction, fill or alteration of a floodplain of a river, stream, or drain which has a drainage area greater than or equal to 2 square miles will require a state floodplain permit under Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Tiny houses, including tiny houses built on wheels, proposed as resort cabins or similar occupancy in Michigan.

    • The source distinguishes tiny houses from recreational units and states they cannot be treated as recreational units even if built on wheels.
    • The tiny house must be built as a resort rather than a campground.
    • Local health department permitting for wells, septic tanks, and drainfields is required as applicable.
    • Local zoning, building, electrical, and plumbing permits and final approvals are required under local authorities.
    • The source does not establish statewide zoning permission or a statewide right to occupy a tiny house.
    “Local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing permits and final approvals under local authorities.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Michigan counties serving as building-code enforcing agencies for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the Statewide Jurisdiction List and local/state jurisdiction assignments.

    • Before construction, a written building-permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
    • Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but the stated structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-health/safety limitations apply.
    • The Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code govern construction; county enforcement applies only where the Statewide Jurisdiction List designates county jurisdiction.
    “If COUNTY is indicated, that unit of government receives code enforcement services from a county enforcing agency.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder licensing exemption for residential construction in Clare County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Clare County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Clare County.
  • Setbacks — Building and septic setbacks in Clare County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Clare County.
11 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Clare County, Michigan

Is Clare County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clare County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Clare County, Michigan?

Clare County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clare County, Michigan?

Land in Clare County runs about $4,419 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clare County?

Clare County gets about 33.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0% of years.

How remote is Clare County?

A representative private-land location has about 15,053 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,780,801 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clare County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Clare compares in Michigan

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